An aurora, or a natural display of light, is caused when charged particles emitted by the sun come in contact with certain gas particles present in Earth’s atmosphere. Quite complex, scientifically, but the result is a spectacular light (and sound!) show, closer to Earth’s poles.

The dazzling display occurs closer to the equinoxes (there’s one coming up on 21 March, 2015, and it’s quite special). Australia and New Zealand could get some more cosmic fireworks this week. But if that doesn’t work out, there’s always the cricket.